Gutierrez: January signings are a massive boost for Newcastle

By Tom J Doyle

The Magpies winger is delighted the club was able to add players during the mid-season window with a relegation battle looming, and is confident the side can now climb the table

Jonas Gutierrez believes Newcastle's January signings have given the beleaguered club a massive boost, with the Premier League side now hitting their stride and climbing away from a possible relegation battle.

Alan Pardew's side have struggled to replicate last season's fine form this year, but the additions of Mathieu Debuchy, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa, Massadio Haidara, Yoan Gouffran and Moussa Sissoko have seen an improvement in results.

And while the North East side are still just four points clear of 18th-placed Reading, the 29-year-old winger feels the "big lift" the signings have given the team can help the side to secure their top-flight status this season.

"It's really good to have a bigger squad, because that was a problem earlier in the season," he told the club's official website.

"It has been hard for us because we had a lot of injuries but not a lot of players. The players who had to play were maybe from the reserves and are young players.

"They are very talented but it is not fair on them just to be in there as Premier League regulars just yet when they are so young. They should be doing that in a few years.

"Now we have more players and are picking up good results again and that has given everyone a big lift."

The Argentine winger has made 24 appearances for the club this season and scored one goal, which was during the vital 3-2 home win over Chelsea on February 2.